The best antidote to the sweltering summer months is to head towards the cooler climes. Every year between September and May, tourists in droves make a beeline for the exotic Munnar, the hill station in the district of Idukki. Munnar also grabs the headlines for being the prime producer of tea, the beverage of the Empire, in Kerala.

Nomenclature

This holiday resort derives its name from 'moon' and 'aar', which according to the Tamil dictionary means 'three rivers'. Munnar is situated at the meeting point of Kundale and Nallthanni that commingles with the Muthirapuzha which flows into the Periyar and finally merges with the Arabian Sea.

History

Munnar is steeped in colonial history. It was the popular haunt for the officers of the British Raj during the summer season. It is no wonder then that tea, the popular English beverage, makes Munnar famous.

Connectivity

Tourists can avail the aerial route to Munnar. The hill destination is at a distance of 4 kilometers from the Cochin International Airport. A taxi drive is priced between Rs.1300 and Rs.2500. You can also opt for the rail journey. A taxi ride from the Ernakulam Junction will cost Rs.1500. Traveling by road is another feasible option. NH49 connects Munnar and Kochi. You can also enjoy a rollicking KSRTC bus ride to the hill station.

Places of Interest

Munnar is a treasure trove of lovely locales and the tourists are sure to be bitten by the wanderlust bug when visiting Munnar.

The visit to the verdant tea growing fields must be on your itinerary. Team this up with a visit to the unique Tea Museum, fuelled by Tata tea. This will bolster your knowledge about the ubiquitous beverage. The evolution of the plant that is an integral part of our every day lives comes alive in the numerous souvenirs of the bygone era.

The rich vegetation of Munnar also harbors the famous Eravikulam National Park. The majestic Nilgiri Tahr, a fast disappearing species of goat, a symbol of Munnar, attracts a large number of tourists.

A visit to this paradise will remain incomplete without a glimpse of the towering 8841 high Anaimudi peak of the Southern Himalayas.

The magnificent Munnar is dotted with gushing falls. The breath taking view of the Athukud falls, that assumes voluminous proportions during the monsoon will surely leave you hankering for more. The Valara and The Cheeyapara falls also scores brownie points with the visitors.

Sailing down the Madupatty Dam and catching a rare glimpse of the elephants and sambars is a heavenly experience. The alluring Sethuparvathipuram Dam with a treasure trove natural bounty is another major landmark of Munnar.

The wild life enthusiasts can go on a safari tour to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on the confluence of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Special Attractions

The mauve hued Neelakurunji that blossoms once in twelve years is the cynosure of attention. It is considered auspicious to view this wondrous creation of nature.

Fishing of trouts is another major attraction of Munnar. The Devikulam Lake and the Gravel Banks are the places to visit for all those fishing freaks.

If you want to take a break from sight-seeing and a golf enthusiast, then head towards the Kundale Club and High Range Club.

The church of Munnar show case architectural brilliance and are the symbols of the colonial era. They are steeped in history and are have a lot of stories to narrate. Co-existing with the church is a temple and a mosque, a powerful statement about the secular fabric of Munnar.

Shopping freaks can stack their bags with pouches of fragrant tea leaves, for they alone can be the best memento from Munnar. You can also take your pick from a wide array of scented oils like the lemon grass and eucalyptus. Juicy strawberries and freshly crushed spices are also the top picks from Munnar.

The dream-like Munnar has something to suit to tingle every taste bud. Sample vegetarian, non-vegetarian, pure Kerala dining pleasure at Munnar. Team it up with, what else, but cups of garam chai.